Most banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not all documents may have access to

Many banks do notarize documents, but the answer depends on your specific bank, which branch you visit, and what you need notarized. Some banks offer this service free to account holders and charge a small fee to non-customers. Others don't notarize at all. The fastest way to find out is to call your branch directly and ask whether they have a notary on staff and what documents they will notarize.

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness your signature on a document and confirm that you signed it willingly and with proper identification. Banks employ notaries because many financial transactions — refinancing a mortgage, opening a trust account, or signing power of attorney documents — require a notarized signature. But banks are not required by law to offer this service, and many smaller branches or credit unions do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your bank branch before you go — notary availability varies by location and institution, and some branches have no notary at all.
  • Banks typically notarize documents related to banking and financial matters, but may refuse documents like real estate deeds or affidavits unrelated to their services.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) because the notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
  • The service is often free for account holders but may cost $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers, depending on the bank.
  • If your bank cannot notarize, your county clerk's office, a title company, or a UPS Store with a notary on staff are common alternatives.

Which banks notarize and which don't

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically offer notary services at most branches, though availability can still vary by location. Regional banks and credit unions are less consistent — some offer the service, others don't. The only way to know for certain is to contact your specific branch by phone or visit in person.

When you call, ask whether the notary is available that day and whether you need an appointment. Some branches keep a notary on staff during business hours; others may have one person who handles notarizations on specific days. If you're told the notary is unavailable, ask when they will be in or whether another nearby branch has one available sooner.

What documents banks will and won't notarize

Banks are most willing to notarize documents directly related to banking and financial services — mortgage refinancing papers, trust documents, power of attorney forms for financial accounts, and loan applications. They may also notarize general affidavits (sworn statements) and signature verification for account-related purposes.

Banks often refuse to notarize real estate deeds, wills, divorce documents, or other legal papers unrelated to banking. Some banks have a policy against notarizing any document they didn't create or that doesn't involve their services. If your bank declines, it's not a reflection on the document itself — it's a business decision about liability and scope. You'll need to find a notary elsewhere.

What to bring when you go

Bring the unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID. The notary must see your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will not accept a Social Security card, birth certificate, or credit card as proof of identity.

Bring the document completely blank where your signature goes — do not sign it before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you've already signed, the notary cannot notarize it, and you may need to request a new copy from whoever issued the document.

If you're unsure whether you need the document notarized, bring the instructions or letter that came with it. The notary can tell you whether notarization is required or optional, and whether your bank can do it.

Cost and timing

For account holders, notarization is often free. For non-customers, most banks charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge per page or per document. A few banks notarize for free regardless of account status. Ask the cost when you call.

The service itself takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have your ID and an unsigned document. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Some banks require an appointment, especially if the notary works part-time. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early and bring a pen in case the notary needs you to sign in a specific way.

When your bank can't notarize

If your bank has no notary or won't notarize your document, your county clerk's office almost always can. Call the clerk's office to ask about hours and cost — most charge $2 to $10 per signature. Title companies (which handle real estate transactions) notarize for free if you're using them for a closing, and may notarize for a small fee otherwise. UPS Store locations with a notary on staff typically charge $10 to $25 per signature.

Online notarization is also an option in many states. Companies like Notarize and LegitScript connect you with a notary by video call, and the notary can notarize documents electronically. This works for many financial and legal documents but not all — some documents still require an in-person notarization. Check whether your document qualifies before paying for the service.

Documents that don't need notarization

Not every important document requires a notary. Bank account opening forms, loan applications, and most everyday financial paperwork do not. If you're unsure, the person or organization asking for the document will tell you whether it needs to be notarized. If they don't mention it, it probably doesn't need it.

Asking whether notarization is required costs nothing and saves you a trip. Many people notarize documents out of habit or caution when the document doesn't actually require it. Before you go to the bank, confirm with whoever is requesting the document that a notarized version is what they actually need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document they created or have a financial interest in?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document they wrote, signed, or have a stake in. If the document involves the notary personally, you must find a different notary. This rule exists to prevent fraud.

What if I can't get to my bank during business hours?

Your county clerk's office often has longer hours than banks and is open on weekdays. Some UPS Store locations are open evenings and weekends. Online notarization is also available in most states and can be done from home, though not all documents may have access to.

Do I need to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?

No, but non-customers usually pay a fee ($5 to $15 per signature) while account holders often get it free. Call ahead to confirm the cost and whether they will notarize for non-customers at all.

Can a notary notarize a blank document or a document with blanks I'll fill in later?

No. The notary must see the complete, final document before you sign it. If you leave blanks or plan to add information later, the notary cannot proceed. Fill in all information first, then have it notarized.

What happens if I lose a notarized document?

You can request a new copy from whoever issued it (your bank, lawyer, or government agency). You will need to have the new copy notarized again. The notary keeps a record of what they notarized, but that record is for the notary's protection, not yours.